INTRO to Canal du MIDI, 2003: History of the region
The earliest traces belong to Tautavel Man of Lower Paleolithic Age (450,000 years ago). The occupation of the land has been continuous since then. During the Azilian Culture (early Mezolithic, about 10,000 years ago) the harpoon became an increasingly important weapon.
As early as the 4th millennium, agriculture and cattle-rearing had become a means of subsistence. Dwellings became more elaborate. By the 3rd millennium trade, making of weapons and jewelry and earthenware became more widespread.
Bronze Age (1800-700) and Iron Age were followed by the foundation of Massalia (Marseille) by the Phoceans who developed metallurgy and were active in trade at the close of the pre-historic period.
6th Century BC. Celts invade Gaul
214 BC Hannibal marches through with his elephants
118 BC Founding of Narbonne by the Romans.
3-5the Century AD Successive invasions by the Alemanni, Vandals and Visigoths who establish in Toulouse their capital.
719 Capture of Narbonne by the Saracens
732 Charles Martel defeats the Saracens at Poitiers thus halting the northward march of Islam.
801 Charlemagne marches into Spain.
12-13 c. Flowering of the art of Troubadours. First appearance of bastides (fortified towns); growth of Cathar religion.
1209-1229 Albigensian Crusade
1250-1320 The Last strongholds of Catharism are quelled by the inquisition.
1337-1453 "Hundred" Years war during which (in 1348) a third of the population of Languedoc perished from the Black Death.
1666-1682 Construction of Canal du Midi
1702-1704 War of the Camisards. After the defeat of the Huguenots, Many flee to England and their leader becomes the governor of Jersey.
1940-45 During the Second World War mountains in the area become the headquarters of the maquis, the French resistance movement.
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